WINNING AN ELECTION fair and square does not automatically mean assumption to office, says the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) amid reports that hundreds of local candidates who won during the May 12 election failed to submit Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
Citing Section 14 of Republic Act 7166 and Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 10730, all candidates and political parties in the May 2025 elections were required to file their SOCE by June 11, 2025, without extension.
The SOCE filing requirement applies to all candidates, whether elected or not. Under the law, no elected official shall be allowed to assume office until the required SOCE has been submitted in full compliance with the rules set by the poll body.
‘The SOCE requirement promotes transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections and in the use of campaign funds … to ensure integrity in public office and to reinforce public trust in electoral processes.’
IMPLEMENTING BODY
According to the DILG, the agency’s mandate is to supervise local governments and implement relevant election-related laws and policies, adding that part of its obligation is to ensure that local officials meet the SOCE filing requirement.
In a memorandum circular, Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla instructed regional and field offices to refrain from issuing any recognition of assumption or acknowledge any oath-taking for defiant officials.
Remulla also told regional and field counterparts to coordinate with Comelec for verification prior to acting on any assumption to office at the local level.
COMPLIANCE A MUST
Failure to file SOCE may also result in administrative fines for both winning and losing candidates. Repeat violations result in stiffer fines and subject the offender to perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
The SOCE requirement promotes transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections and in the use of campaign funds. It serves as a post-election compliance measure to ensure integrity in public office and to reinforce public trust in electoral processes.
Full compliance with the SOCE requirement is a condition precedent to the lawful entry into public office.
Local government units and transition teams are directed to ensure that all legal prerequisites, including the SOCE, are verified and fulfilled before proceeding with any turnover or assumption ceremonies.